The Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Outdoor pizza ovens have become increasingly popular among homeowners and cooking enthusiasts seeking to replicate the authentic taste and experience of wood-fired pizza in their own backyard. These ovens are designed to reach high temperatures quickly, ensuring fast cooking times and crispy crusts that traditional ovens often struggle to achieve. In this article, we’ll review some of the top outdoor pizza ovens available today, highlighting their unique features, construction materials, cooking capabilities, and why they are favored by pizza aficionados.
Benefits of Outdoor Pizza Ovens
- High Temperature Cooking: Outdoor pizza ovens can reach temperatures of 700°F and above, allowing for quick cooking times and achieving that desired charred crust.
- Versatility: Besides pizzas, these ovens can cook a variety of dishes including bread, meats, vegetables, and even desserts, thanks to their high heat retention and even cooking.
- Authentic Flavor: Wood-fired ovens impart a distinct smoky flavor to pizzas that enhances the taste and texture, replicating the traditional Italian pizzeria experience.
- Enhanced Outdoor Living: Installing an outdoor pizza oven can transform your backyard into a focal point for gatherings and entertaining, creating a unique cooking and dining experience.
- Energy Efficiency: Some models use wood pellets or gas, offering efficient fuel consumption and environmentally friendly cooking options compared to traditional ovens.
Top Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Let’s explore some of the best outdoor pizza ovens available on the market today:
- Ooni Koda 16 Gas-Powered Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 16 is a popular choice for its sleek design and powerful performance. It runs on propane gas, heating up to 932°F in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick cooking sessions. The oven features a large cooking surface that can accommodate 16-inch pizzas, with a stone baking board for even heat distribution. Its compact size and portability make it easy to move and store, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a hassle-free cooking experience.
- Roccbox Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Roccbox by Gozney is known for its versatility and robust construction. It can reach temperatures up to 950°F, offering rapid cooking times and crispy crusts. The oven is designed with a unique insulated jacket that retains heat, ensuring efficient fuel use and consistent cooking temperatures. It features a built-in thermometer, retractable legs for easy setup on various surfaces, and compatibility with both wood and gas fuels. The Roccbox is favored for its durability and ability to cook pizzas, bread, and other dishes with exceptional flavor.
- Ooni Karu Wood and Charcoal-Fired Portable Pizza Oven
The Ooni Karu stands out for its dual-fuel capability, allowing users to cook with wood or charcoal for authentic wood-fired flavors. It heats up to 932°F in 15 minutes, offering versatility in cooking times and temperatures. The oven is lightweight and portable, featuring a stainless steel body with ceramic fiber insulation for heat retention. It includes a cordierite stone baking board and adjustable flame control for precise cooking. The Ooni Karu is praised for its ease of use and ability to deliver restaurant-quality pizzas at home.
- ilFornino Professional Series Wood Fired Pizza Oven
The ilFornino Professional Series is designed for serious home cooks and outdoor kitchen enthusiasts. It features a heavy-duty stainless steel construction with a double-walled dome for superior heat retention and distribution. The oven can reach temperatures up to 1000°F, ensuring quick cooking times and excellent charred crusts. It includes a built-in thermometer, solid insulation, and a wide mouth opening for easy access to the cooking surface. The ilFornino Professional Series is favored for its durability, craftsmanship, and ability to handle large pizzas and other culinary creations.
- Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Combo
The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Combo offers a unique hybrid design that can use wood, charcoal, or gas fuels. It reaches temperatures up to 930°F, providing fast cooking times and versatility in fuel options. The oven features a stainless steel exterior with ceramic fiber insulation for heat retention and durability. It includes a cordierite baking stone and a removable chimney for easy cleaning and storage. The Bertello Combo is ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking for flexibility in fuel choices and consistent performance.
Competitive Table
Feature | Ooni Koda 16 | Roccbox | Ooni Karu | ilFornino Professional | Bertello Combo |
Fuel Type | Gas | Gas, Wood | Wood, Charcoal | Wood | Gas, Wood, Charcoal |
Max Temperature | 932°F | 950°F | 932°F | 1000°F | 930°F |
Cooking Surface | 16 inches | 12 inches | 13 inches | Various sizes available | 12 inches |
Construction | Stainless Steel | Insulated Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Heat Retention | High | High | High | High | High |
Portability | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Additional Features | Quick Heat-up, Portable | Built-in Thermometer | Dual Fuel Options | Large Cooking Area | Hybrid Fuel Options |
Analysis Table
Criteria | Ooni Koda 16 | Roccbox | Ooni Karu | ilFornino Professional | Bertello Combo |
Best for Quick Heating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Best for Portability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Best for Versatility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
Best for Durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Best for Cooking Area | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Best Additional Features | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
Conclusion
Choosing the best outdoor pizza oven depends on your specific preferences for fuel type, cooking capacity, portability, and additional features such as quick heating capabilities and versatility in cooking methods. The Ooni Koda 16 stands out for its rapid heat-up time and convenience of gas fuel, making it ideal for users looking for quick and efficient cooking sessions. The Roccbox excels with its durable construction and ability to reach high temperatures quickly, while the Ooni Karu offers flexibility with dual-fuel options and a portable design.
For those seeking professional-grade quality and durability, the ilFornino Professional Series is a top choice with its robust construction and high maximum temperature. Meanwhile, the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Combo provides versatility with its hybrid fuel options and compact design, perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking to experiment with different cooking methods. Whether you prioritize speed, versatility, or durability, these top outdoor pizza ovens offer the technology and craftsmanship to elevate your outdoor cooking experience to the next level.